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Using punctuation marks

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Using Punctuation MarksPunctuation is the use of standard marks and signs in writing to separatewords into sentences, clauses, and phrases in order to clarify meaning.Here are the punctuation marks that are most commonly used when writingand the most typical way or ways they are used.Examples are provided for each.1. Period (.)- Use a period at the end of a declarative sentence (a sentence which statesan idea). "That was a wonderful movie."- Use a period to end an abbreviation. "I think that Mr. Williams is a greatteacher."2. Question Mark (?)- Use a question mark at the end of an interrogative sentence (a sentencewhich asks a question). "Did you like that movie?"3. Comma (,)- Use a comma to separate three or more items in a series. "My history classmeets each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday."- Use a comma to separate independent clauses in a sentence. "We wanted togo to the beach, but it rained that day."- Use a comma after introductory words or phrases in a sentence. "Certainly,I have my homework right here."- Use a comma to set off dates and addresses. "My friend Jane, who wasborn June 18, 1992, lives in Akron, Ohio."- Use a comma in appositives (an explanatory phrase).“Mr. Rivera, my best teacher, gave me an award.”- U se a comma between the names of a city and a state.“I lived in Brooklyn, New York.”- Use a comma to separate a noun in a direct address.“Fred, help me with the desk.”- Use a comma before or after a direct quotation to set off the words that tellwho is speaking. Danny said, “ That is my book.”4. Semicolon (;)- Use a semicolon when two independent clauses in a sentence are notseparated by a conjunction (such as "and")."I like pizza; Carlos also likes pizza"- Use a semicolon between independent clauses in a sentence that areseparated by any of the following transitional words or phrases: accordingly,consequently, for example, for instance, furthermore, however, instead,moreover, nevertheless, otherwise, and therefore. "I planned to study

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Saturday morning; however, the power in our house went out due to astorm."- Use a semicolon when the items in a series of items contain commas. "Ihave lived in Los Angeles, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Trenton, NewJersey;and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania."5. Colon (:)- Use a colon before a list that is preceded by a complete independent clause.Some form of the word "follow" is often used in such a case. "On our nextvacation, we plan to visit the following countries: England, France, Italy,and Greece."- Use a colon to divide hours from minutes. "I have an appointment with thedoctor at 10:30 tomorrow morning."- Use a colon following a Biblical chapter.“Mathew 6:10”6. Exclamation Point (!) (sometimes called an Exclamation Mark)- Use an exclamation mark at the end of a sentence to show strong emotion."I am very upset with him!"- Use an exclamation mark at the end of a sentence for emphasis. "I have togo home right now!"- Use an exclamation mark after an interjection at the start of a sentence (aninterjection is a word used to express strong feeling or sudden emotion)."Wow! That test was harder than I expected."7. Apostrophe ()- Use an apostrophe to indicate a missing letter or letters in a contraction. "Idont think she will win the election."- Use an apostrophe plus the letter "s" to show possession. "Please takegood care of Brads dog."8. Quotation Marks (“ ”)- Use quotation marks to set off all direct quotations, some titles, and wordsused in a special sense.“I do not care,” he said.- Use quotation marks for minor titles (short stories, one-act plays, shortpoems, songs, articles from magazines) and for subdivisions of books.“The Antic Arts” is a very interesting article.

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PracticeUse the correct punctuation marks within the sentences given.1. Nancy Wanda Sandra and Helen went to Ponce together2. Were you going to school today3. Sandras house is white and yellow4. Carmen said Can you help me with the books5. I will read Mathew 6156. Fred and José dont have to go to the park today7. Thats incredible8. Why are you here now9. He works in San Juan Puerto Rico10. I always wake-up at 60011. Dr López is at his office12. Will George come to PR this year13. How beautiful that girlWhat punctuation mark do you use?1. To separate words in a series, ____________________2. In minor titles, ____________________3. In biblical chapters, ____________________4. To separate the hour and minutes, ____________________5. At the end of a statement, ____________________6. Using words like (Who, What, When…) ____________________

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7. For possessions, ____________________8. For abbreviations, ____________________9. For contractions, ____________________10. To separate a city and a state, ____________________Select the correctly punctuated sentence. a. The childrens books were all left in thefollowing places: Mrs. Smiths room, Mr. Powells office, and the caretakerscupboard. b. The childrens books were all left in the following places; Mrs. Smiths room,Mr. Powells office and the caretakers cupboard. c. The childrens books were all left in the following places: Mrs. Smiths room,Mr. Powells office and the caretakers cupboard. d. The childrens books were all left in the following places, Mrs. Smiths room,Mr. Powells office and the caretakers cupboard.